Volkswagen Transmission Problems

Transmission issues make up roughly 8% of all Volkswagen owner complaints. The majority of the issues have been reported by Jetta owners.

The complaint we hear about most often is transmission failure in the 2006 Jetta.

Where Transmission Complaints Happen

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

Worst Models

Recent Transmission News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Earlier this summer a lawsuit was filed regarding dangerous defects in the Aisin AWF8F35 8-speed transmission.

    Specifically how it hesitates, shakes, and grinds its way to busted seals, oil leaks, and eventual failure.

    Volkswagen asked for the case to be dismissed on the classic legal defense of sure there complaints, but it's not that many complaints.

    And when they tried to convince the court the plaintiffs shouldn't have a case because VW couldn't have possibly known about the problems before the vehicles were sold, they were asked about a "technical tip" sent to VW dealerships on possile transmission problems before the vehicles were sold. The document describes scraping noises commonly heard when shifting into 5th gear at speeds of 20-25 mph, under light load.

    keep reading article "VW Fails to Convince Judge Their 8-Speed Transmissions Aren't Trash"

  2. Turns out VW had a good reason for issuing a stop sale on some 2014 models last week -- they were catching on fire.

    The manufacturer recognized a potential safety defect, stopped selling cars, found the problem and issued a recall, all within a month -- see how that's done, GM?

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), O-ring seals in some VWs can leak between the oil cooler and the transmission. Once flammable transmission fluid hits a hot surface only bad things can happen.

    The recall affects the 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat equipped with the 1.8T engine and an automatic transmission. Owners should see a notice in the mail soon at which point they can bring their cars in to have the O-ring seals replaced.

    keep reading article "Transmission Leaks and Fire Risk"